Guard-rail.



T. J. HEARD.

GUARD RAIL.

APPLICATION man MAR. 29, I918.

- Patented J uly lfi, 1918.

WITNESSES [NVENTOR M Attorney wAsunvmou. a c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFTQ.

THOMAS J. HEARD, or WILSON, KANSAS.

GUARD-RAIL.

Application filed March 29, 1918.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS J. HEAR a citizen of the United States, residing at Wilson, in the county of Ellsworth and State of Kansas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Guard-Rails, of which the following'is a specification.

This invention relates to means for preventing the derailment of trains when rounding curves, and the objects of the same are, first, to provide means of the above nature which have connection with the ordi nary rail ties, and serve the subordinate function of preventing rails from spreading; second, one which can be easily secured in place by ordinary track hands; and third, one which consists of but a few simple parts whereby they may be manufactured and placed upon the market-at a minimum cost.

With the above and other objects in view, my invention relates to such details of construction and arrangement and combination of the several parts as will be hereinafter fully described and specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

In describing my invention in detail reference will be had to the accompanying drawings wherein like characters denote like or corresponding parts throughout the several views and in which,

Figure l, is a perspective view of a part of my invention shown as in place.

Fig. 2, is a side elevation of the same.

Fig. 3, is a plan view showing parts broken away.

In the drawings, in order to illustrate the invention 1 have shown a portion of a tie 1 upon which is mounted a rail 2 of the usual configuration.

The guard rail embodies a foot member 3 which is secured to the tie, in proximity to the rail by bolts 4, although other fastening means may be used if desired. The inner terminal of the foot member is reduced so as to be conveniently received between the base flange and head of the rail. The reduced portion is designated 5 and has its lower margin shaped to snugly engage the base flange of the rail, While the upper margin is arranged adjacent the head of the rail and in intimate contact therewith, thereby bracing the rail from lateral displacement. The reduced portion 5 is extended Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 16, 1918.

Serial No. 225,595.

appreciably beyond the rail and has its upper marginal edge disposed at right angles to the side of the body of said member. The portion of the body, therefore, which conjoins with the reduced terminal 5, provides an abutment 6 to which is secured the guard rail '7. The head of the rail 2 is sufliciently spaced from the rail '7, to permit free movement of the flange 9 of the car wheel 10, thereby in no way impeding movement of 'the latter but yet preventing its casual displacement from the track 5.

Since the guard structure is especially adaptable for use in connection with curves of railways, it is of course to be understood that the rail 7 will conform to the arc of the curve and may be secured to two or more foot members (through the instrumentality of bolts 8) consistent with the size of the curve. The heads of the bolts 8 are countersunk in the rail 7 to prevent contact with the car wheel.

As shown, the outer margin of the mem her 3 has a portion cut away to facilitate securing of the same to the ties, although this form may be deviated from should it be so desired.

It is obvious therefore that the portion 5 provides a brace to laterally support the rail, While the guard rail 7 prevents the casual displacement of the car wheels from the track.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. The combination with a tie having a rail mounted thereon, of a foot member secured to said tie and having a portion of its inner terminal reduced to abut the web of said rail and be snugly engaged between the head and base flange thereof, said foot member having its upper portion extending above the level of the rail tread and in proximity thereto and a guard rail seated upon said reduced portion and secured to said foot member to prevent displacement of the car wheels from the rails.

2. The combination witha tie having a rail mounted thereon, of a foot member secured to said tie and having a portion of its I having'the edge laterally adjacentthe rail; prevent displacement of the wheelsfrom the treadeut away, at right angles to said rerails. a v q10 I duced portion, to provide a passageway, a In testimony whereof I afiix my signature guard rail seated in said passage Way and in presence of t-Wmwitnesses.

5 in proximity to said raiI'trea d; said guard THOMAS J. HEARD,

rail secured to said foot member and extend- Witnesses: ing longitudinally of the rail tread to pro- ABE HEARD, Vide guiding means for a Wheel flange and .C. L. MILLER.

Copies of this patent may' be otit ained for five c'e i'itsee'h, addressing-Elie Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

